The vastness of China and the sheer size of the population mean that opportunities still abound for companies interested in entering this market. However, regardless of the product category, a strategic decision-making methodology is now essential for determining whether or not to take the plunge in China.

In contrast to Western consumers, Asian people prefer name-brand luxury goods with conspicuous logos, according to a recent market research study.

In the coming years, as western companies penetrate further into China, moving beyond the dynamic but developed markets of the 1st tier cities, marketers, strategists, and CEOs will all have to start asking themselves about the characteristics of Chinese consumers in 2nd, 3rd and even 4th tier cities, about the consumers who live in these fairly well-developed areas but have not yet had the chance to become global consumers.

With thousands of companies, big and small, producing bottled water in China and numerous brands displayed on the shelves, which bottle to choose is a bewildering task for many consumers. Yet, the fascinating field of semiotic research reveals room for innovation. 

Disney recently set up “Ad Lab” in Texas, USA to perform joint research projects with advertising professionals and agency executives to better understand the effectiveness of advertising in new media environments. Dr. Duane Varan, the lab's executive director, said the ultimate aim of Ad Lab is “to discover ‘new laws of truth’ about advertising impact.”1

The Coca-Cola Company is conducting consumer testing for a new drink called Vio in New York. Vio, described as “the world’s first vibrancy drink”, is a carbonated dairy-based beverage brand and comes in four “natural” flavors Citrus Burst, Peach Mango, Tropical Colada, and Very Berry.